Police say the homeowner saw Deyfon Pipkins, 33, trying to climb into the window and fired his weapon at least once at the intruder.

The homeowner is legally protected by the Castle Doctrine, which allows a person to defend his or her home against an intruder.

“It means they don’t actually have to retreat once someone comes in their home,” Sergeant Calvin Johnson, Dallas Police Department, said. “You have the option of using deadly force if you believe your life is in danger.”

After police notified relatives of Pipkins’ death, some showed up at the house. They were upset, and questioned the homeowner’s actions.

“He could have used a warning,” Lakesha Thompson, Pipkins’ sister-in-law, said. “He could have let him know that he did have a gun on his property and he would use it in self-defense.”

Pipkins had a lengthy criminal record. He served time in prison and was convicted of theft, possession of a Controlled Substance and criminal trespassing.

I understand that the family of the bad guy would wish this would have never happened. I bet the homeowner does too. But, anyone breaking into another person’s home does not deserve a warning. They ought to realize they are risking their life by trying to victimize someone else. So, if anyone breaks into my home, they better understand that I am armed and WILL use whatever force necessary to defend my home and loved ones.